A new educational resource developed by an Xplorlabs Capstone Fellow encourages students to explore the trade-offs of mineral extraction.
November 24, 2025
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Mining for minerals like copper and lithium is a process that can shape communities, power global supply chains, and spark debates for those living nearby — including students. And it’s essential to create lithium-ion batteries in cellphones and other rechargeable devices, which we depend on to power our modern lives.
That’s what sparked the idea for 2024-2025 Xplorlabs Capstone Fellow, Travis Koupal, to create a learning resource to guide students through the environmental, economic, and social factors of mineral extraction. His learning resource is now part of the Xplorlabs Resource Library, encouraging students to examine opposing viewpoints on the subject with both curiosity and respect.
Koupal was inspired by the Extraction to E-Waste pathway. He applied his learnings to the topic of mining, which he is personally connected to in Minneapolis.
In Minnesota, Koupal said that mineral resource extraction has been a cornerstone of life for many years for local residents, especially for students who have spent time in the northern part of the state where mineral extraction is common — and many of them have strong opinions on mining.
The resource delves into the background of mining in northern Minnesota, going into the history of when it began, the types of minerals extracted, and the environmental impacts. Students then explore the arguments for and against mining, the mining companies’ environmental responsibilities, and the advantages and disadvantages of importing or exporting these minerals that are key to our everyday lives.
Koupal’s goal in creating the resource was to encourage students to think critically about environmental issues, considering multiple perspectives and respecting differing points of view. They are empowered to think deeply about the minerals needed to power their cellphones and computers and consider how mining impacts communities. While their core beliefs may not change, students can learn to understand and respect other perspectives.
“After completing the case study, students had a more nuanced view of the issue and better understanding of the opposing points of view, and enjoyed the opportunity to share their own thoughts,” Koupal said. “There are passionate arguments for and against mineral extraction in northern Minnesota, and I wanted to explore the issues in more detail and I thought my students would like to explore them as well.”
